Undergraduate Admissions
Northwestern University is a world-class research university that’s also highly selective. It takes work to get into Northwestern, but with the right preparation, you can stand out from other applicants. This guide’ll review everything you need to know about applying as a prospective undergraduate student.
Admissions Overview
Northwestern is a private research university in Evanston, Illinois, United States. It was founded in 1851 by John Evans and has since grown to become one of the most selective colleges in America. The school has over 20,000 undergraduate students enrolled and an overall acceptance rate of approximately 26%.
Transfer Student Information
Transfer students at Northwestern are welcome and eligible for scholarships, financial aid, and UROP.
- Transfer students can apply for the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). This program aims to increase interest in research among undergraduate students by providing opportunities for them to work with faculty on research projects related to their academic interests and career goals.
- We encourage you to apply early! If you’re interested in transferring but still need to complete all of your coursework or take any standardized tests like the SAT or ACT – don’t worry! You can still apply now, and we will review your application as soon as all of your materials arrive at NU Admissions.
International Student Services
To apply for admission, international students must:
- Pay an application fee. The fee is $80 and is due at the time of submission.
- Complete the online application in English. You will be asked to provide information about yourself and your academic history, along with letters of recommendation from teachers or others who can speak to your abilities as a student. Applicants may also be asked to submit test scores from tests such as the SAT or ACT (see below).
- Submit official transcripts from each high school attended and any diplomas earned in those schools if they are not already on file at Northwestern University.
Financial Aid
You’re not alone in your search for financial aid. Northwestern has a long history of providing it to undergraduate students, and we want to make sure you have all the information you need about how to apply for it.
Financial aid is available for both domestic and international students who qualify. It can cover everything from tuition to housing and meal plans, as well as textbooks and other educational expenses (such as student activity fees). You may also be eligible for loans or work-study opportunities through our office if you need additional help paying off your bill each semester–ask us!
Undergraduate Faculty and Research
Northwestern’s faculty and research centres are an important part of the undergraduate experience. Students can work with professors who are leaders in their fields and participate in research projects that help them develop critical thinking skills.
Students also have access to graduate programs at Northwestern University, where they can earn graduate degrees while still fulfilling their bachelor’s degree requirements.
Admission requirements
- You must have a minimum GPA of 3.4 (ACT) or 1170 (SAT).
- You can also apply for admission if you are in the top 5% of your graduating class or have an SAT score of 1500 or above.
- Your application will be reviewed by the admission committee based on your academic record and personal statement.
Application deadlines and policies
- For the general application, you have until November 1 to submit your application.
- If you’re applying to a specific major within Northwestern (such as Mechanical Engineering or Communication), the deadline is December 1.
- If you’re applying to a specific school within Northwestern (such as The School of Music), the deadline is January 2.
- Applications for some programs (like pre-med) can be submitted after January 1 but before March 31; these programs have deadlines and policies regarding deferred admission, so check with your intended program if they allow it!
Scholarships and financial aid
How much will my education cost? The answer depends on your family’s financial situation and the financial aid you qualify for. Northwestern offers a variety of scholarships, grants and loans to help make it possible for qualified students from all backgrounds to attend our school.
If you’re applying for need-based aid, we’ll use information from your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as other documents provided by you or your parents on the application to determine whether you should receive federal funds, such as Pell Grants or Federal Work-Study jobs at Northwestern University. You must submit this form annually by February 1 to receive any grant money during the upcoming academic year.